Thursday, December 31, 2009

I am a winner!

Hello Everyone, I am very proud to announce that my photo of a Least Sandpiper has been selected as the Youth winner in the first ever Audubon Magazine Photography Competition!
I entered the competition never thinking I would get to the finals let alone win. You have most likely seen the photo since I have posted it here more than once. But if you haven't, then you can view it here. I hope that everyone has a very Happy New Year!

Monday, December 28, 2009

White Christmas


Hello Everyone,
I hope everyone had a great Christmas, I certainly did. What made this Christmas a very unique and special one is the fact that for the first time in my life I experienced a White Christmas! A blizzard in fact. I have lived in North Texas my whole life ( just 17 years, but still this was big ) and never before had I seen snow, much less inches of the stuff on this Holiday. I have seen it on Valentines Day and other times in between December and April but never on Christmas. It started on Christmas Eve and snowed non stop all day. There are still patches and a few small drifts left over which is also amazing since snow around here never lasts more than 24 hours and it has been 4 days since it began! There is talk of more snow on Tuesday, but I know it will be nothing like the previous event. Anyway, I took this image from the car at the park near my house. I did not really get to spend much time on this shot, but I was really pleased in the way it turned out when I loaded it onto the computer. I converted it to B&W and like the result, but would love to hear your opinions. Hope you like it!

Image Data:
1/100s. | f/11 | ISO 200

17-55mm @ 55mm
Click image for larger size.

Monday, December 14, 2009

White Tail Buck


Here is another image taken at the Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge last week. This one of a White Tail Deer. We were driving out of the refuge when this big fella started walking across the road about 50 yards in front of us. We slowly approached him as he took refuge in the high grasses along the side of the road. I took several shots from the car and this was probably the best. As we were stopped he decided to cross again to the other side in front of the car and joined a doe waiting in some brush for him. Something was playing tricks on my camera and I was getting some weird readings hince the odd exposure specs. Anyway, I hope you like it!

Image Data: 1/125s. | f/8 | ISO 320
Click image to see larger size.

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

American Bison


I finally made it out for some shooting today at the Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge with my mom. The refuge is about 15 minutes from my house. The weather was very chilly and got cloudy when I arrived, so not much was photographed, go figure. There was a lot of activity and most birds were fairly easy to get close to. I cannot wait to get back out there on a sunny day, hopefully Monday. As we were driving out past the Bison range the sun peeked out between some clouds for all of one minute, enough for me to get a few snaps of this Bison. I like the light here with the dark clouds in the background. Only nit for me were the stems of grass in his face, I have got to look for these things when composing the image! I hope you like it anyway.

Data: 1/200s. | f/8 | ISO 200 | Full Frame
Click image for larger size!

Friday, December 4, 2009

American Wigeon


Hello All,
Longtime no post! Sorry. Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. I still have yet to get out for some shooting this week. The weather here has turned winter'ish, very chilly temps and even an inch of snow on Wednesday! That usually does not happen this early here in north Texas. I need to enjoy while it lasts. The Dark-Eyed Juncos have returned to my backyard, so I hope to get some images of them soon. For now here is a image of some American Wigeon taken at the reservoir back in October. I cloned out some parts of other flying Wigeon that that were poking out from behind these three. I liked the pose's of this trio, especially the one in front with its mouth open. Let me know what you think! Hopefully I will have some new images to share soon.

Image Data: 1/1250s. | f/8 | ISO 250
Click image for larger size!

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Portrait of a Swan Goose


I have not been out lately for any photography, I have had a busy week so far. But here is the promised Swan Goose image taken at White Rock Lake last week. There were a lot of these geese and it was very hard to get a photo of one without including another in the frame. I finally was able to get some of this individual who wandered away from the others to preen. I am really hoping to get back there soon for some more serious photography. Hopefully I can get out to the reservoir this weekend for some shooting before some family arrives from out of town for Thanksgiving.
Anyway, hope you like this one.

Image Data: 1/1600s. | f/8 | ISO 400

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

American White Pelican


I was able to get over to White Rock Lake yesterday, but was only there for less than an hour. It was basically a scouting trip to see what species are at the lake right now. I saw ton's of American White Pelicans as well as Snow Geese and hundreds of American Coots. I also saw two American Kestrels and some Ruddy Ducks sleeping. This shot of the Pelican along with a portrait of the Goose were the only images that are worth sharing, I will share the Goose one later. I am hoping to get out there again soon at a better time when there is some better light.

Image Data: 1/3200s | f/8 | ISO 400

Monday, November 9, 2009

I'm a Finalist!


Hello All,
Last week I received an e-mail informing me that I am a finalist in the Audubon "Birds in Focus" Photo competition! It was a big surprise to me as I thought they had already chosen the finalist's earlier in October, but I either had the dates wrong or they were behind in the judging! But anyway, here is the image they chose, I know that I have posted it here before and it is definitely one of my favorite photos so far. I will hopefully be checking out some local duck ponds tomorrow that had some great and easy to photograph species last year. We shall see!

Image data: 1/800ths. | f/8 | ISO 250

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Fall Colors - Acadia National Park, Maine


Hello All,
Here is yet another image from Acadia NP. I took this one from the top of Bubble Rock ( Balancing Rock ) Mountain. I love the difference in colors here, Green to Yellow to Orange to Red. It was a beautiful sight up on the mountain looking out and seeing so much color, this picture does not do it justice! I am hoping to get out somewhere to shoot this week or next, hopefully out to White Rock Lake in Dallas or the Village Creek Beds in Arlington. There should be a lot of activity at these locations right now, I have heard reports of some Yellow-Rumped Warblers that have arrived in the Dallas Area, so hopefully I will be able to find one. I am gearing up for the up-coming Goldfinch arrivals. I have a new Nyger feeder and am going to set up a small drip pond and some perches. I have been doing a lot of reading about Bird Setups on naturescapes.net, there was a recent thread on the subject and I got some great ideas that I cannot wait to put to practice, you can read it here if interested.
Anyway, let me know what you think about this one. Enjoy!

Specs: 1/50ths. | f/11 | ISO 200
EF-S 17-55mm

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Maple Leaf in Grass


Here is another shot from my trip to Acadia National Park. I was walking along a path when I saw this red Maple leaf caught in the grass next to the path. Not sure if it is appealing to others, but I really liked the way it turned out, the red of the leaf stuck in the middle of the mostly dead and drab colored grass. Just a neat affect. So anyway, let me know how you like it!

Specs: 1/400ths. | f/2.8 | ISO 400
Canon EF-S 17-55mm

Friday, October 16, 2009

Herring Gull - Acadia National Park, Maine


Hello All,
Well, we arrived back home from Acadia National Park on Wednesday night. We had a great time hiking some trails and small mountains, although my two brothers and sister did make it up Cadillac mountain, very impressive! The fall colors were just beautiful. I took loads of photos, but nothing very exciting. I never really went out to just take photos, I was just having fun hiking and stuff with my family and didn't want to bore them while I stayed in one spot waiting for "the perfect shot"! The weather wasn't ideal for the shots I had in mind anyway. I saw quite a few birds, but as I stated, the weather was not very cooperative! We are planning our trip for next year and cannot wait to return. Anyway, this image ( one of the only decent ones ) was taken on Otter Cliff, I believe, of a Herring Gull. Otter Cliff is also where I saw some Common Eiders for the first time but alas, no photos. I cannot wait to return next year!
I hope that you like it.

Specs: 1/500ths. | f/5.6 | ISO 500

Monday, October 5, 2009

Pink Rose


Hello Everyone,
This is my final post before leaving tomorrow morning to catch my flight to Boston! Upon arriving in Boston tomorrow afternoon, my family and I will spend the night and next day touring Downtown Boston and then take the 4 1/2 hour drive to Acadia National Park in Maine where we will spend 7 days. We have rented a cottage just a mile or so from one of the entrance's to the park. I am very excited to go and photograph Acadia in the best time of the year for a whole week! I hope to come home with some great images and stories to share. For now, here is another image from my Mom's garden. This of a Pink Rose sprinkled with the rain from the night before. I hope you like it. So long for now!

Image Details: 1/100's | f/2.8 | ISO 320
Canon EF-S 60mm Macro

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

First impressions with my Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro lens





I came home on Tuesday afternoon to find the expected package waiting for me, my new Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM lens! I quickly un-boxed it, attached it to my 40D and went outside to play around. My first subject was a Rose starting to bloom ( pictured ), it was getting dark so the light was a little hard to work with. Yesterday I went out to the local park looking for Dragonflies or Butterflies, which were both easy to find prior to recieving my lens, but had no luck. I did find a Wasp hanging around a hole in a tree and decided he was better than nothing. Here is one of the results, I did not want to get too close and you can probably guess why!
The second flower pictured is a Zinnia from my Mom's garden, a macro paradise!
My pros and cons for this lens so far? Well here go's:

Pros: Light weight. Good build. Lovely image results. Very sharp. Excellent DOF.

Cons:
A bit longer reach would be nice but I can work with it for now. I am very used to Image Stabilizer and miss it here, though it is not really needed at this short of a focal length I guess. And these really are not cons, just personal preferences.

That is it! I find this lens yeilds excellent results, nice image quality and is very sharp. I am new to macro work and am really looking forward to all of the fun that this lens will give me. I love this lens, but I know that as soon as I have the extra cash the Canon 100mm Macro will probably replace this lens in the near future. If you are considering this lens or are simply more curious, I encouarge you to read this review. Anyway, hope you enjoy these shots.

Image Data:

Wasp: 1/500th. | f/4 | ISO 320

Zinnia: 1/125th. | f/2.8 | ISO 400

Rose: 1/125th. | f/2.8 | ISO 500





Saturday, September 26, 2009

Common Grackle Silhouette


I finally made it out to the reservoir this evening and saw the Least Sandpipers again, this time there were about 15 of them. I was unable to get any photos since where they were feeding was covered in shadows. I will try again tomorrow afternoon. There were literally hundreds of Common Grackles all on the fence that runs along side the road to the reservoir. Since the sunset was very beautiful, I decided to try some silhouettes. While this is not a very exciting species, I do think they make great subjects for these types of images. What do you think? I cloned out some the fence that was at the bottom of the frame. In other news, I bought a Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro lens yesterday and it should arrive on Tuesday! I can't wait to try it out and share the results here. Also, my family and I will be heading to Maine a week from Tuesday ( October 6th. ) for some hiking and, for me, photographing in Acadia National Park! It will be lot's of fun and hopefully we will see some great fall color. I am very excited! Anyway, please tell me what you think about this one. Enjoy.

Specs: 1/400th. | f/16 | ISO 400

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Scissor -Tailed Flycatcher


Here is another image taken at the reservoir a few weeks ago. This one of a Scissor-Tailed Flycatcher. I am still undecided on this one and need your opinion. I was going for a "bird in habitat" image, but is there is too much habitat here? I liked the light and interesting background, but since I have not done many habitat images, I do not know what people like in one. Click the image to few larger. Anyway, the weather here has finally cleared up and bird activity is speeding up. Unfortunately, I will not be able to make it out to the reservoir today or tomorrow since I will be busy all day both days.
Maybe Monday...


Image data: 1/400th. | f/8 | ISO 400

Monday, September 14, 2009

Abstracts



Hello Everyone,
I was not able to do much photography this weekend due to non stop rain from Friday night until Sunday evening which I was really disappointed about. But it did bring cooler temps which will be really nice for shooting. Since conditions were not ideal for bird photography ( even though I did attempt some hummingbird shots with no success ) I decided to experiment with some abstract images. So I went out to the backyard, chose a slow shutter speed and just had fun zooming in and panning while the shutter was open. I got some interesting results and thought I would share my favorite two. I am hoping to go to the Village Creek beds on Thursday for some bird photography, weather permitting!

Specs:
#1 - 1/8th. | f/6.3 | ISO 100

#2 - 1/10th. | f/22 | ISO 200

Monday, September 7, 2009

Another Least Sandpiper



Here is another shot of a least sandpiper taken at the reservoir. I hope that I am not boring you all with these least images! This will be the last for a while, I promise! This was probably my favorite from last week, as I was able to get a decent reflection and setting.
I am hoping to get out there yet again sometime this week. Hopefully there will be some new arrivals.
Anyway, I hope that everyone has a great Labor Day. I will be heading to my grandmothers for a cookout and swimming in her pool, and hopefully some US Open Tennis, go Nadal!

Specs: 1/640th. | f/8 | ISO 400

Monday, August 31, 2009

Least Sandpipers


I went out to the reservoir yesterday evening and was very pleased to find these 2 Least Sandpipers. I have not seen any shorebirds here for a few months now and was very happy when I saw them. They were very approachable and came within less than 6 feet of me! I took over 400 images of these guys alone, probably less than 100 after I have sorted through them all.
I also saw about 5 Pied-Billed Grebe's and two juvenile Green Heron's. I was unable to get photos of the Grebes and not very good ones of the Green Herons. I hope to get back out there soon, maybe even this evening, since the weather has been excellent. Things are starting to pick up at the reservoir and I hope to start seeing some early duck migrants soon. Anyway, I liked how in this shot the two Sandpipers had almost the same pose. Tell me what you think.

Specs: 1/1250th. | f/8 | ISO 400


Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Spotted Sandpiper


Since there is not a lot going on at the reservoir, I thought I would post a photo taken back in May. This one of a Spotted Sandpiper.
I took this one under a cloudy sky to try and get a different feel.
Unfortunately the background is not ideal, but I do not think it is horrible, is it? I am looking forward to when the shorebirds arrive at this location again, since it is so close to my home I can go almost whenever. But right now if I want to shoot shorebirds I have to go to the Village Creek Beds which is a farther drive from my home.
I have been unlucky there so far anyway.
So anyway, let me know if this photo works for you!

Specs: 1/400ths. | f/8 | ISO 400

Monday, August 24, 2009

Cattle Egret



Here is another image taken at the Village Creek Beds a few weeks ago. There were at least 15 Cattle Egrets in a dead tree standing over one of the ponds. When approached by car most of them flew away, but 2 or 3 stayed and I was able to snap a few photos out of the car window.
I have mixed feelings about this image and want your thoughts. I hope to make it back out there this week, supposedly some fall migrants are passing through a little early, how did that happen?!
Canada Geese were seen there yesterday, so I would like to try and get some images of them.
Anyway, let me know what you think about this one!

Specs: 1/2000ths. | f/5.6 | ISO 200

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Little Blue Heron in Flight


Hello All,
Yesterday afternoon I went over to the reservoir in hopes of seeing the Pied-Billed Grebe again, but no luck. I was able to see two White Faced Ibis, new to me at this location, two Snowy Egrets, three Little Blues, and some unidentified ducks. I was able to get some snapshots of the Ibis, but nothing great. My best shots came from the Little Blue's like this one. The wind was blowing extremely hard so that when the herons tried flying against it they looked like they were just hovering in one position which made getting this shot very easy!
I hope to make it back there some time this weekend to try and get shots of the Ibis and others.
Anyway, hope you like this one.

Specs: 1/500th. | f/8 | ISO 200

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Little Blue Heron


Hello Everyone,
Here is a image of a Little Blue Heron taken today at the Village Creek beds in Arlington, a new favorite birding location!
There are many species of birds found her, mostly waders, as well as Blue Grosbeak, Indigo and Painted Bunting, Ibis, Stilts, and so many more. Not to mention all of the duck in winter.
I cannot wait to photography as many species as I can!
Hope you enjoy this one.

Specs: 1/1250th. | f/5.6 | ISO 400

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Least Sandpiper in Fall


Hello Everyone,
At this time of year when summer temperatures have it their peak here in North Texas, I start looking forward even more to the cooler months of Fall and the birds that it brings with it. You can find me in all of my spare time at the reservoir near my home where so many species of waterfowl gather in Fall through Spring. My hope is to photograph and record as many species as I can this year. Some of the species I have seen are: Green-Winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, Ruddy Duck and Bufflehead. I look forward also to the American Goldfinches that migrate here for the winter. Fall cannot come soon enough for me!
So anyway, here is a photo taken last Fall of a Least Sandpiper at the reservoir. Hope you like it.

1/400th. | f/5.6 | ISO 200 | taken with my old Rebel XT

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Female Black-Chinned Hummingbird


Here is a image taken on a overcast Monday afternoon of a Female Black-Chinned Hummingbird perched at my Hummingbird garden. She is the only regular visitor that I see almost every day. This is her favorite perch which is unfortunately not the best looking. Some self critique for this image is I wish it were a tad sharper ( see shutter speed ) and I wish that her head was tilted more towards me. But other than that I was at least pleased with the background! ;-)
As soon as the week long rain and clouds move off and give way to some sun I will try to get out to get more images that are hopefully better than this.
Enjoy.

Specs: 1/80th. | f/5.6 | ISO 500

Monday, July 20, 2009

Western Kingbird



When out biking around the park near my house yesterday I spotted about 5 of these juvenile Western Kingbirds sitting on the same branch of a tree just chattering away and waiting for some food. Not having my camera with me, I peddled home as fast as I could and grabbed my gear, then took off again. When I got back they were still sitting there.
They were easily approachable and I had time to snap a few photos before some storm clouds covered the sun. I hope you enjoy this one.

Specs: 1/2000ths. | f/5.6 | ISO 320

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Pied-Billed Grebe

Hello All,
I finally made it out to the reservoir Monday and the weather was very nice. I saw many species but was unable to get many shots, except for this one of a Pied-Billed Grebe,
which was quite a heavy crop at that. I think this would have been a better image had I gotten the reeds in the background, but I will try that next time. Among the species I saw were: Pied-Billed Grebe, Wood Duck, and Least Bittern. This afternoon I will be off to the Fort Worth Nature Center for some great birding and hopefully great photography! I will post what I come back with soon.
Enjoy.

Specs: 1/800ths. - f/8 - ISO 200


Thursday, July 2, 2009

Chipping Sparrow


Hello Everyone,
Wow, I am sorry that it has taken me so long to post! I have been sooo busy this summer and have had so little time for photography (I cannot stand it!) and what ever time I have I never get anything worth sharing. The weather here is your typical summer here in Texas. The temperatures have reached a sweltering 104 degrees and things are getting very dry.
I have hopes of getting out for some shooting soon. Today I when I drove by the reservoir I could see a flock of waders in the shallow stream that flows into the reservoir, so I am very anxious to get over there and see what species they are and get some images. We will see...
So for now here is an image from earlier this year. This of Chipping Sparrow that visited my backyard. Unfortunately, the only place he perched where I could get a shot of him was on the feeder pole. So while not a perfect shot, I was still happy to get it.
I hope that I will have more to share with you all soon.

Specs: 1/500ths. - f/8 - ISO 200



Tuesday, June 16, 2009

House Finch


Sorry for not posting in a while Everyone! Not much has been going on photography wise. I have family visiting from North Carolina this week, and won't be doing any photography for the duration of their visit. I am hoping to make it out to the Fort Worth Nature Center on Monday and photograph the White Pelicans and Prothonotary Warblers that have been seen nesting under the boardwalk.
But for now here is an image from a week or so ago of a House Finch perched outside my bedroom window. Hope you like it!

Specs: 1/320ths. - f/8 - ISO 200 - cropped vertical

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Great Egret Pano


My Mom and I went to the Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge on Monday in hopes of spotting a Painted Bunting, but we never did see one. But we did see a huge flock of White Pelicans, many different species of Herons and Egrets, Hawks and many others. Unfortunately, none of the birds wanted to have their photo taken! The best I came home with were two images of this Great Egret fishing. Towards the end of our trip we did find a really nice bird blind that the Nature Center built for birders. It is situated over the marsh, really close to all of the water birds, and has two platform bird feeders on each side of it on the bank. We did not see much, but this was where I did get this image, we only spent about 20 minutes there though, and plan on making that the spot we will spend most of our time at on our next visit. I cannot wait! Anyway, I kind of liked this because it included the environment and he had a fish in his bill. Let me know what you think!
BTW, to see the image better click on it to view a bigger size in a new window.

Specs: 1/125th. - f/8 - ISO 400

Thursday, June 4, 2009

Monarch Butterfly


While going through some images I found this one taken last September. I was at the reservoir and saw this little fella' perched on a reed. So I took this photo of it, not really caring much about how it turned out, and to my surprise when I uploaded it to the computer I really liked it!
The details really showed and I loved the colors, I couldn't be happier!
It figures I spend forever trying to get just one decent photo of any bird and come across this lovely butterfly and just snap a pic for fun, and it is the best thing I come home with!
Such is my luck... ;-)
Hope you like it.

Specs: Taken with my old Rebel XT
1/800ths. - f/5.6 - ISO 200

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Spotted Sandpiper



Hello All,
Here is a image taken a week or so ago at my local reservoir. This is a Spotted Sandpiper, another wader I was lucky to see before it moved on with its migration. It came within about one yard of me and was so fast I could barely keep it in focus! I was pretty happy with this shot.
I am very anxious to get out to the nature center to shoot some warblers and other birds, but am so busy I do not know when I will get there. Oh well...
I hope you enjoy this one! Thanks for looking.

Specs: 1/500th. - f/8 - ISO 200

Friday, May 22, 2009

Mexican Hats





Here are two images of some wild Mexican Hats taken with my new Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 lens, which is a amazing piece of glass!
I was at my local reservoir shooting more waders ( which I will share in my next post ), and came across these. The sky was a perfect blue with just the right amount of clouds and these are what I captured. Hope you like it.

Specs:
1st. 1/640th. - f/8 -ISO 200
2nd. 1/4000ths. - f/2.8 - ISO 200

Monday, May 18, 2009

Least Sandpiper


Hi Everyone,
Here is another image from my local reservoir. Maybe not quite as exciting as my previous post of the Wilson's Phalarope, but this guy was fun to watch and really is a neat bird. I count myself very lucky to have a great place to shoot less than 10 minutes from my house! There are so many species that come to this location, especially the flocks of all kinds of ducks that arrive in the fall. I haven't even begun to observe the various birds there, the ducks, waders, warblers, sparrows, egrets and so much more. My hope is to photograph as many, and maybe eventually all, of the species I see there. I will continue to share images with you from one of my favorite places to shoot.
Hope you like this one as much as I do!

Specs: 1/800th. - f/8 - ISO 250

Friday, May 15, 2009

Wilson's Phalarope

Hi Everyone,
Sorry for not posting in over a week! I finally got out for some shooting yesterday afternoon at my local reservoir. When I got down to the popular feeding spot for the waders I was surprised to find about 4 Wilson's Phalarope's! I had never seen any before and was excited to add them to the species list of birds I have seen there. I crossed the shallow water over to the other side, so that the sun would be behind me, and crawled through tall grass and rocky dirt until I was at the edge of the water half hidden in grass. After awhile they moved farther away from me, so I had to crawl my way through more tall grass and rock and managed get very close to these waders, they seemed to be totally oblivious to my presence! Despite the pains of rocks jabbing me all over while laying down, I was pretty happy with my images. I plan on going back on Monday to shoot some new ducks and probably these guys again. Anyway, here is one of the better ones, hope you like it!

Specs: 1/1000th. - f/8 - ISO 250


Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Purple Flower


Hello All,
Here is another from my trip to Arkansas a couple of weeks ago. I do not know the name of this flower, but thought that it was nice, so I took a photo of it! I will be so glad when all the clouds roll away and the rain out of the forecast so I can get out and do some shooting! I am hoping to get to the local reservoir and nature refuge soon as reports of new bird sightings are popping up all over the area from local birders. If you want to know what birds people are seeing around your area try to see if your local Audubon Society's website has a discussion forum, that is where I get news about rare bird sightings and such, it is great! So anyway, hope you enjoy this one, I hope to have some new stuff to share with you soon.

Specs: 1/400th. - f/8 - ISO 200

Monday, May 4, 2009

Indian Paintbrush


Here is a image I took this weekend at my Grandfather's farm.
I have not seen many of these around where I live like I usually do this time of year,
but there were bunches of them there! I am not a very good macro/flower photographer, but thought that I should photograph one anyway, so here it is! Conditions were cloudy, I took this in between rain showers. Hope you enjoy.

Specs: 1/125 - f/8 - ISO 250

Thursday, April 30, 2009

Turtle


Hello All,
Here is another image from my trip to Arkansas. This one of a turtle that was crossing a dirt road. I snapped some pictures of him, and then carried him the rest of the way across the road.
As with most turtles, he was shy ( or scared or whatever ) and only peeked his head out a little, so this was the best I could do.
Hope you like it!

Specs: 1/400th. - f/8 - ISO 160

Monday, April 27, 2009

Bald Eagle


Hello Everyone,
I am back from a great time fishing with my dad and brothers in Calico Rock, Arkansas.
The weather was perfect and we all had a blast! I saw lots of birds and wildlife, but was unable to photograph much. The most exciting bird I saw was a Bald Eagle! He flew right next to our cabin's porch which sits pretty high up on a ledge overlooking the White River, unfortunately when I got my camera he never came that close again, as it always is! But here is one from a distance that I thought was decent. I wish I could have done better, but at least I got something. Hope you like it.

Specs: 1/320th - f/8 - ISO 200

Monday, April 20, 2009

Greater Yellowlegs


Hello Everyone,
Sorry for the recent lack of posts. I have not been out to photograph anything this past week due to rain and being just plain busy! But, early Sunday morning my 2nd niece was born to my brother and sister in-law! Her name is Elianna. Another bit of exciting news is that this weekend, Thursday thru Sunday, my Dad is taking my brothers and I to Arkansas for a fishing trip! It will be lots of fun and I hope that I will find lot's to photograph! My Dad says he remembers seeing many water birds and birds of prey including a Bald Eagle! I also hope to find wildlife and some good landscapes around the river. So I can't wait and will be spending the next two days packing and getting stuff together to leave early on Thursday morning. If I have time, I will try to blog an update or two. So for now, here is one from two weeks ago of a Greater Yellowlegs that I have waited to get a decent image of for a long time now, and was happy with this one. Hope you like it!

Specs: 1/500th - f/8 - ISO 200
cropped

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Bluebonnets

I got this image on Monday while out with my brother, sister in-law, and niece to get pictures of them in the Bluebonnets. This was a pretty good patch in Fort Worth that sat on a hill. I had to use the telephoto lens so as to isolate some light poles and a road. Hope you enjoy it!

Specs: 1/15th. - f/8 - ISO 200

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Western Sandpiper


Hello Everyone,
Sorry for no new posts recently. I have been very busy lately. I did manage to get out yesterday evening to the local reservoir to try shooting wading birds for the hundredth time ( well seems like that many anyway! ). The weather was beautiful, and the light was great. So, I crawled to the edge of the water in almost knee high grass and waited. They did appear - finally! - and pretty close too, so I fired off some shots, but I needed them to come closer, about 1 yard, to get a more frame filling image. But they got spooked and this was the best I could do. I had to crop pretty heavily. Among the species I saw were Greater Yellowleg, Western Sandpiper, and Killdeer. Not a great variety but good enough for me! The Greater Yellowlegs are one of my favorite waders, I will post a image of him later. I have been trying to photograph these guys for about 6 months now! I cannot wait to return now that I have found a good strategy for getting close, took me long enough at that! Hope you enjoy.

Specs: 1/800 sec. - f/8 - ISO 200

Monday, March 30, 2009

Ducklings #2

Hello Everyone,
Here is another shot from when I saw the ducklings last week.
The lighting was tough due to the cloudy weather as storms started rolling in.
I hope to see them again tomorrow when I return to the pond where I saw them last week.
I will post with an update! So, hope you enjoy this one.

Info: 1/400th - f/8 - ISO 400

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Duckling



I went to a pond on Tuesday and was surprised to see these ducklings!
There were about 15 of them following one hen and 4 more in the water with another. I think they are baby Mallards.
Unfortunately, it was cloudy that day since we were expecting rain, but the sun did peek out so I could get a few shots. I was a little disappointed in the results of most of my shots though, but I will be going back next week for more! Enjoy.

Specs: 1/320th - f/8 - ISO 320


Thursday, March 19, 2009

Spring is Here!

Specs:

1/400th. - f/8 - ISO 100 - cloned out some oof branches.


Specs: 1/500th. - f/8 - ISO 160


Hey Everyone,
Spring is now officially here in Texas.
Even though it has been warm here for most of March,
flowers are now in bloom everywhere and the wildflowers are adding color to the otherwise bland state highways! I will try to focus on spring for my future posts this month. I will be heading to some local wildflower hot spots next week and possibly the Hillcountry in early April, we will see.
So for now here are two images that I am not sure work or not, but do seem to show that spring has arrived. I love the way the back lighting shows the detail in the leaves. Hope you enjoy.


Monday, March 16, 2009

Envy and a Cheetah


Right Now I am envying my two sisters who are in Florida for the week,
Especially when I think of all those birds in the Everglades! Oh, well at least I am going somewhere better this fall...

Anyway, here is another from my zoo trip last month. This cheetah would not do anything but lay here which meant no interesting pose. He did yawn once, but naturally I missed that! Enjoy.

Specs: 1/1250 sec. - f/5.6 - ISO 320

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Bald Eagle



Here is a image of a Bald Eagle from a few weeks ago. Unfortunately this guy is captive, I am not sure if he is hurt or not. I am very anxious to go out to the local nature center where I have heard reports of nesting Bald Eagles on the lake somewhere! But since the weather here is in the low 40's
and raining, I guess I won't be going this weekend. Maybe Monday...

Info: 1/125th. - f/5.6 - ISO 320